Too Young to Play the Blues?

In the news today is Tallan "T-Man" Latz, the 8-year-old guitarist who played recently at the Taste of Westmont Muddy Waters Tribute Night. The issue? Young T-Man is having trouble finding places to play, since he's way below the legal age to enter a bar in his home state of Wisconsin.

Some anonymous person reportedly sent both his manager father and his booking agent threatening letters. Club owners could be fined if they let him play, and apparently child labor laws apply.

I wasn't too surprised to see the story. Tallan's father Carl contacted me asking if I knew of any jams in the Chicago area where kids were allowed. Unfortunately, I do not; all the ones I know are held in bars.

T-man has already had a lot of experience on stage. According to his bio, he formed his own band and played in several festivals and concerts before he turned 8 years old.

So can the kid play? Judge for yourself: there are video and audio clips at T-man's MySpace page. When I saw him, I was impressed with his ability. It's hard to play guitar, especially when you have small hands; I know, I've tried. But he's not just "good for a kid"; I've heard adults who couldn't pull off the licks that the T-man can.

Of course, we all know it takes more than technical expertise to play the blues. The blues is different from other musical genres. It's surrounded by tradition, mystique and a specific culture. The question then becomes, not "Can the kid play?" but "Can he play the blues"? In tone and rhythm, there's no doubt. In spirit? As I said, judge for yourself. And maybe time will tell for sure.

Every few years a young blues guitar wiz comes around. Jonny Lang was only 15 when he released his first album. Kenny Wayne Shepherd 's bio says he was 16 when he turned pro. Then there's the young harp player, LD Miller, age 15 or 16 ,whom I saw open up for B.B. King. And, don't forget Quinn Sullivan, the 9-year-old prodigy who makes a guest appearance on Buddy Guy's new album, Skin Deep.

While it's unusual for kids to play the blues, it's not unheard of. Neither it is a recent occurrence. Keep in mind, Little Walter was just 12 years old when he took his harmonica and set off on the road. Billy Boy Arnold was about the same age when he approached Sonny Boy (John Lee) Williamson for harmonica lessons and then began playing on Maxwell Street.

No one knows for sure what the musical future holds for Tallan Latz. Right now, it sounds like he and his dad, at least, are just worried about right now.